Council approves $2 million aquatic center resurfacing project; competition and therapy pools to close during 2026 construction

Los Alamos County Council on May 20 approved a services agreement for resurfacing and restoring the aquatic center pool and established a $2 million project budget. The council approved the services agreement with Leisure Pools Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,404,762.43 plus applicable gross receipts tax.

Why this matters: the aquatic center is the county’s primary indoor competitive pool; the existing plaster finish is beyond its expected 25-year service life and staff reported cracking, rust staining, and failing components that could affect safety and operations if not repaired.

What the council approved - Contract authorization: services agreement AGR25‑922 with Leisure Pools Inc., not to exceed $1,404,762.43 plus applicable gross receipts tax. - Project budget: $2,000,000 (includes contingency, construction administration costs and funds to support temporary alternate pool options).

Project scope and schedule - Scope: replastering, replacement of original starting blocks with competition-grade blocks, new deck tile and handrails for the therapy pool, replacement of suction inlets and underwater lighting, and other repairs identified during condition assessment. - Schedule: procurement and ordering of long‑lead items begin May 2025; planning for alternative pool locations to reduce community impact will continue through fall 2025; pre‑construction in February 2026; construction March–October 2026; pool startup and re-opening expected November 2026.

Community impact and mitigations - Closures: the Olympic and therapy pools will be closed during construction; the leisure lagoon will remain open. Staff told council they are coordinating with local pools and facilities in Santa Fe and elsewhere to provide swim-team access and community alternatives during the construction period. - Communication: staff will publish project updates on the county project news website and issue press releases; staff also intends to order long‑lead items early to secure pricing and to reduce the risk of supply shortages.

Budget and procurement notes - The contractor’s price was reported at $1,156,572 with added allowances, construction administration and a contingency that bring the project budget to $2 million. - Council heard that remaining funds not spent would roll over into the next fiscal year for other projects if unused.

Council remarks and concerns - Councilors asked about why the project could not be delayed and the steps staff took to minimize impacts; staff said delaying would increase risk of more significant failures and that March–October 2026 maximizes the community’s access in summer 2025. - Councilors also asked about worker and public safety during restoration; staff said construction areas will be closed to the public with separate access maintained to the leisure lagoon and locked doors to prevent migration between work and public areas.

Quote from the record - "We've got existing cracks in the pool that are not leaking yet ... our staff have done a yeoman's job of squeezing every inch of life out. So it's time," a county project representative said during the presentation.

Next steps: execute the services agreement, begin long‑lead procurements, finalize alternate‑pool plans and schedule pre‑construction activities in winter 2026.